BLANDFORD'S ICONIC SETTING

Bryanston Deer Park, in recent years known as the Crown Meadows, was created for the Portman family in the 18th Century and is significant in the historic evolution of the town. The entire park is of immense value to the town and its identification, as one of the Conservation Sub-Areas, means that its intrinsic character should be protected from development. Any development there would destroy the beautiful backdrop to the town as you cross the bridge and walk along Bryanston Woods. It has not been developed to date, precisely because of its intrinsic value, so what has changed to justify an end to its continued protection?

There are other alternative sites that could be developed to provided any need for extra housing.

The development will damage Blandford's setting. The views from the bridge will be spoilt. The area should be used as an amenity for the whole town and to develop tourism.

Tourism could be Blandford's future!

Indeed, the Core Strategy up to 2011 specifically states in Policy BL7 that “The Crown Meadows should remain as open countryside and protected from encroaching development which would jeopardize its use as an informal recreational area.”

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

Originally laid out by Lord Portman as a deer park, the Crown Meadows were an essential part of the British defence strategy during WWII against the threatened invasion by Hitler's army in 1940. Blandford was planned to be a 'strong point to be stoutly defended and protected by anti-tank obstacles, gun positions and minefields'. These obstacles, including the unique ha-ha/anti-tank ditch conversion, have now been granted English Heritage Grade II protection. Building houses across that planned battlefield would destroy the historic site - a venue for visitors and school parties.